Policy recommendations: training smallholder oil palm farmers in good agricultural practices
Summary
The implementation of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) is a key component of RSPO
certification. The uptake of GAP can improve smallholder yields and provide a financial
incentive for certification. Currently, farmer practices are mostly not in line with GAP,
and training is required to improve practices. But training large numbers of
smallholders in an effective way is challenging.
In our research project, supported by IDH, we carried out a survey among more than
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) production in Indonesia: carbon footprint and diversification options
Abstract
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a uniquely valuable palm as source of low-cost vegetable oil.
However, the success and method of its expansion (monoculture plantation) especially in
biodiversity-rich Indonesia and Malaysia have made it one of the most controversial crops
of the world. One of the policy consequences of the boycotts and debate is the Renewable
Energy Directive (RED) of European countries that sets binding targets for the emission
savings to be achieved when oils are used as feedstock of biofuel. Exporting countries